India's preparations for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 have suffered a significant setback, with star pacer Jasprit Bumrah reportedly set to miss the team's opening fixture against the USA due to viral fever. The development has raised concerns within the Indian camp as they gear up to begin their title defence.
Bumrah attended India's training session at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on Friday but did not participate in any on-field drills, indicating that he is still recovering as per The Indian Express. His likely absence further stretches India's resources, leaving the squad with only 13 fully fit players ahead of their first match of the tournament.
Meanwhile, all-rounder Washington Sundar is yet to join the squad as he continues his rehabilitation
at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and awaits final fitness clearance.
India's injury concerns deepened after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that young pacer Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the tournament following a knee injury. The injury occurred during India's warm-up match against South Africa earlier this week. In an official statement, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia revealed that Rana suffered the injury during the game in Navi Mumbai and was declared unfit after undergoing scans and specialist consultation. The board also extended its wishes for the youngster's speedy recovery.
Rana's injury was evident during the warm-up fixture at the DY Patil Stadium, where he struggled after bowling just one over. He conceded 16 runs before leaving the field while visibly in discomfort, holding his knee. The setback forced the selectors to name Mohammed Siraj as his replacement in the squad. With Bumrah unlikely to feature in the opening clash, Siraj is expected to take up a key role in India's pace attack.
Despite the injury concerns, India remain one of the strongest contenders in the tournament and are chasing history as they aim to become the first team to win three T20 World Cup titles. However, managing player fitness will be crucial for their campaign, especially with key bowlers already sidelined. All eyes will now be on the team management's strategy as they look to overcome these early challenges and make a strong start against the USA.
